Ice climbing
When the first frosts of October sting your nose and the ground starts freezing, its time to start thinking about ice climbing and playing in the frozen vertical world. As water drips and seeps from our freezing and thawing hillsides ice cascades over cliffs, and down narrow gullies with elegance and beauty. Climbers have been enjoying these drips in New England since the late 1920’s. The pursuit has come a long way since its infancy when climbers would painstakingly chop steps with their ice axes. Advances in technique and technology have made climbing ice more fun and efficient. The part that hasn’t changed is the overwhelming desire to interact with the natural world in so novel a setting. If you have never climbed with ice tools and crampons, come join the Atlantic Climbing School for an unforgettable winter experience where you learn the techniques to take you higher in this winter wonderland. If you’ve climbed ice in the past and are interested in honing your skills, or if you are an experienced ice climber and have a specific winter objective in mind, come join us for a great day on the ice. All of our courses are offered at single or multi-day introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels.
All of or ice climbing programs are private and are available in the following locations:
-Mt. Washington Valley, NH
-North Conway, NH
-Rumney, NH
-Camden, ME
-Grafton Notch, ME
-Mt Kineo, ME
-Baxter Sate Park (Mt. Katahdin) ME
-Acadia National Park, ME
Introductory
This full day course is a great way to learn the fundamentals of ice climbing. It is perfect for the novice ice climber or the absolute beginner. Whether you are looking for a fun new activity for the family or you just want to see what ice climbing is all about, this course is for you!
Starting with proper equipment selection we will cover how to use and care for ice tools, crampons, and ice climbing boots. With an emphasis on movement you will quickly find your self on the ice learning the basics of crampon and ice tool techniques. Based on your goals we can stay focused on the movement fundamentals or move on to the world of rope management, belay and rappel skills. We will learn ice evaluation, route selection and hazard recognition.
What you will need: Warm clothes suitable for a day in the outdoors. Plenty of water and a big lunch. See recommended gear list
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a harness, helmet, ice tools, ice climbing boots and crampons.
RATES for any of our private Full day (eight hours) Ice climbing courses:
1 person-$300.00
2 people- $200.00 pp
3 people-$175.00 pp
4 people-$150.00 pp
5people-$125.00 pp
Give us a call to inquire about group rates
Intermediate
if you have climbed ice before or are looking to expound on skills learned in our intro course this is the trip for you. We will delve deeper into movement skills and technique and introduce protection systems, seconding skills and rope management. We can move from lower angle ice climbs to steeper routes and multi-pitch terrain. This course will take your ice climbing skills to the next level!
What you will need: Warm clothes suitable for a day in the outdoors. Plenty of water and a big lunch. See recommended gear list
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a harness, helmet, ice tools, ice climbing boots and crampons.
Advanced
This course is designed for people with a solid foundation in ice climbing who are looking to expand there technical skill set. We can work on techniques needed to lead ice climbs including ice screw placement, anchor building, V-threads, and belay management. Multi-pitch climbing techniques and rescue skills will be covered in detail. Do you have a dream ice climb? We can climb a multi-pitch classic such a The Black Dike on Cannon Cliff, or Repentance on Cathedral Ledge, Maine Line on Mt. Kineo, let us know, the opportunities are endless!
What you will need: Warm clothes suitable for a day in the outdoors. Plenty of water and a big lunch. See recommended gear list
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a harness, helmet, ice tools, ice climbing boots and crampons.
Mixed Climbing
Frozen cracks, steep caves, turf shots, spindrift, and dripping icicles. Mixed climbing is an exciting pursuit that is diverse as climbing itself. From steep caves to vertical snow covered granite walls, mixed climbing combines the gymnastic movement of sport climbing, the problem solving and route finding from traditional rock climbing, and the powerfully elegant techniques used in waterfall ice climbing. If you have some climbing experience and are excited to diversify your climbing portfolio, join ACS and mix it up this winter. This is an intermediate to advanced level course taking place in some of the most magnificent terrain the Northeast has to offer.
What you will need: Warm clothes suitable for a day in the outdoors. Plenty of water and a big lunch. See recommended gear list
What we provide: ACS will provide each participant with a harness, helmet, ice tools, ice climbing boots and crampons.
